Humiliation for Kamala Harris after ‘fake’ California governor dropout post drives 2028 rumors amid LA riots

A new image of a statement from Vice President Kamala Harris announcing she would not run for governor of California was denounced by her team as a fake after it went viral on social media on Monday.

The image had a similar template as a statement Harris earlier used to condemn President Donald Trump’s decision to send in the National Guard to combat rioting protesters in California.

But the fake statement from Harris featured three separate typos as it purported to announce that she had decided not to enter the race for Governor of California. 

Eric Katz, a Senior Correspondent for GovExec shared the post on X, noting it was sent to him by a source who said it would be made public shortly.

‘Source sent it before it went public. Not usually what I cover but wanted to share. I expect it will be up soon,’ he wrote.

But Harris’ spokesperson Kristen Allen moved quickly to denounce the post as ‘fake’ after it started gaining traction.

Katz later deleted his post, apologizing for posting what appeared to be a false statement

‘I’ve deleted a previous tweet reposting something sent to me that now appears inauthentic. Apologies for sharing too quickly,’ he wrote.

Kamala Harris has not made a decision about running for California in 2026 

Kamala Harris speaking at the State of the People Power Tour in Los Angeles at the The SEED School of Los Angeles County

Harris remains unclear about her plans to run for governor in California, despite frustrations from her fellow Democrats who believe she needs to get in the race or officially rule out a run for office. 

The former vice president joined many California Democrats on Sunday denouncing President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles to help quell violent protests in the city.

She was ridiculed for describing the protests as ‘overwhelmingly peaceful,’ even as protesters burned vehicles, threw rocks, and blocked freeways.

Harris condemned Trump for his ‘cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division’ in the city.

Earlier this month Harris further triggered speculation that she was not running for governor of California after she delivered a lackluster three-minute virtual address to the Democratic state political convention

In a steady, monotone voice, she spoke about the Trump administration’s recent actions against universities and praised activists’ efforts to fight the president’s agenda.

‘While this administration in Washington tries to divide us, we hear know that we are stronger when we stand together,’ she said, a flashback to her 2024 campaign slogan.

Harris’ failure to appear at the convention in person suggested she was not interested in running for governor of California, and instead may be pursuing a return to presidential politics. 

The Democratic primary for the governor race is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election scheduled for November.

Harris has always been popular in California, easily beating Democratic challengers in her races for Attorney General and Senator.

Her 2020 race for president, however, failed spectacularly as she ended her campaign before the Iowa caucuses and the California primary.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at an event at the White House

Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Leading Women Defined Summit at the Ritz-Carlton

Since her loss, Harris has vowed to ‘stay in the fight’ and organized some of her trusted aides into the organization Pioneer49, while she explores her political future.

If Harris runs for governor, she will likely forego another run for president in 2028, which Democratic strategists in Washington, DC fully expect her to explore.

She continues to delay any decisions about running for governor or diving into presidential politics again, telling advisors she will made a decision in late summer. 

A third option remains, that she will forego a political career entirely and remain a paid speaker and inspirational figure for activists with the option of publishing a book of her memoirs.  

In the meantime, Harris continues to take the stage to protest the Trump administration and rally activists. 

Last week, she appeared at an event in Australia where she shared a bizarre story about her mother and spiraled into word salads when asked to speak about the importance of humility. 

Harris also appeared at the lavish Met Gala last month wearing a custom look from Off-White, designed by creative director IB Kamara, but skipped the red carpet. 

Kamala Harris shares a photo of her dress for the Met Gala 

Kamala Harris attended the Met Gala with a dress designed by creative director IB Kamara

The failed presidential candidate also took the stage at the Emerge 20th anniversary gala at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to deliver the keynote speech that began late in the evening. 

‘It’s good to be home!’ Harris laughed as she took the stage, criticizing Trump for his agenda, particularly his tariffs.

‘Instead of the administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing a wholesale abandonment of those ideals,’ she said.